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The language used to talk about Chemotherapy
My chemo oncology team talks about Chemotherapy as putting gasoline or Propane on the radiation.
I have told them this is a terrible way to talk about Chemotherapy. I requested that they find other words. No human wants gasoline or Propane injected in them or thrown on their body. This language is not kind or caring or healing. They responded that they need to set expectations.
I start chemoradiation with the expectation setters in 2 weeks.
What is your experience?
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I am commenting on my own post, because I will have chemo next Friday and I am terrified.
Why can't they set expectations by talking about how the chemo will kill the cancer and eventually heal me. I will be getting doxorubicin, 10 mg (not usual 60).
Thank you for reading.
I'm so sorry to hear about your anxiety. I joined this group because of a loved one. I feel they are not ready to look into
their diagnosis (avoid the the unknown) which leaves
me to handle their care, so for me it brings about lots of concern followed by many questions to my loved one's handling team. I feel they are blowing me off. Because when I had accompanied my loved one to their post-op office visit, I was very mad at cancer and the pathology report which I believe bruised the ego of the attending physician and the surgeon. I made the mistake of telling them my feelings out loud which i was disappointed and mad at the diagnosis of cancer, pathology report and what was on that pathology report (positive margin). I let my emotions overwhelm me which i feel is understandable (shock). You think they would show empathy/reassurance afterwards (answer questions) so you can leave them be to do their job. I realize too many questions may have to be addressed at scheduling another appt., but at least try to answer what you can followed by "Lets schedule you an appt to get those questions addressed" I feel we were treated like first class when they were scheduling the surgery $$$, but I now feel like we have been seated in coach. Sorry to rant forgive me.
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1 Reaction@kmlnj, those are frightening words. Metaphors are often used to try and help describe how treatments will work. However not everyone responds or relates to the same metaphors. I hope that they were receptive to your feedback to be flexible with their metaphors. Thank you for teaching back how words matter.
It sounds like the image trying to be conveyed was that chemo helps to super-charge the effectiveness of radiation, optimizing your treatment.
Have you had your first chemotherapy? How are you doing?
Colleen.
Thank you. One of the nurses called me to apologize for their choice of language. We had a good conversation to help me prepare for treatment.
My first radiation is January 21. That starts the 6 weeks. Chemotherapy will be on Fridays, weekly.
I know about the myriad of side effects. I just hope I don't get all the side effects!